Translating Problems Into Equations

Objective – To translate simple word problems into equations

A word problem describes a situation in which certain numbers are related to each other.

Some of these numbers are given in the problem and are considered to be known numbers.

Other numbers are at first unknown . You must determine their values by using the facts of the problem.

The first 3 Steps of the Problem Solving Plan

Understand –•What does the problem want to know?•What facts are given?Organize –•Choose a variable for the unknown.•Write any other unknowns in terms of that variable.

Analyze –•Decide what operations you will use and in what order.•Write an equation using the unknowns and the facts given

Translate the problem into An Equation

(1)Marta has twice as much money as Heidi.(2)Together they have $36.How much money does each one have?

What does the problem want to know?How much money does Marta have?

What facts are given?

Marta has twice as much as Heidi.Together they have $36.

Step 1: Understand the Problem

Step 2: Organize the problem

Choose a variable for the unknown.

Let h be the amount of money Heidi has.

h = Heidi’s amount2h = Marta’s amount

Step 3: Analyze the Problem

Write an equation

h + 2h = 36

Translate the problem into an equation(1) A wooden rod 60 in. long is cut into 2 pieces.(2) One piece is 4 in. longer than the other.What are the lengths of the pieces?

What does the problem want to know?What are the lengths of the pieces?

What facts are given?1. The rod is 60 in. long.2. It is cut into 2 pieces.3. One piece is 4 in. longer than the other

Choose a variable for the unknown.s = shorter pieces + 4 = longer piece s + (s + 4) = 60

Assignment

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